Charleston Honors South Carolina State Guard with Dedication Day

The Mayor of Charleston, John J. Tecklenburg, recently proclaimed April 12th to be dedicated ‘South Carolina State Guard Day.’ Mayor Tecklenburg said, “On behalf of the City Council and all our citizens, extend our appreciation to the South Carolina State Guard for their many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Charleston and of the State of South Carolina.”

The South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force) has long served the State of South Carolina by augmenting & supporting the South Carolina National Guard & local authorities. On top of assisting the National Guard they also provide trained troops to assist the South Carolina Corrections Department. And lastly they routinely train in disaster response to ensure they can properly respond to any natural disasters that affects the State.

The South Carolina State Guard was honored by the City of Charleston yesterday when Mayor John J. Tecklenburg issued a proclamation declaring April 12, 2022 as “South Carolina State Guard Day.” The SC State Guard Commander, Brigadier General Leon Lott, was at Charleston City Hall to accept the special proclamation.

During the presentation of the proclamation Mayor Tecklenburg said, “On behalf of the City Council and all our citizens, extend our appreciation to the South Carolina State Guard for their many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Charleston and of the State of South Carolina.” The Mayor also recognized and acknowledged the State Guard’s involvement, over the years, in the safe and successful operation of the Cooper River Bridge Run.

Both the City of Charleston and the SC State Guard share the same 1670 founding date. BG Lott presented Mayor Tecklenburg a SC State Guard 350th Anniversary challenge coin during the ceremony and said, “Whether it’s the bridge run or a hurricane, the State Guard is trained and ready to protect the people of Charleston and all South Carolinians by being the first boots on the ground. On behalf of all our State Guard members, I thank Mayor Tecklenburg and the City Council for this outstanding honor.”

State Guard members LTC David Preston, WO1 Michael Northrup, CSM James Guest, PVT Robert Ashley, and PVT2 Kyle Kasten were on hand for the ceremony. State Guard member, 2LT Karl Brady, who also serves on Charleston City Council, made remarks during the presentation ceremony as well.